Building on the success of its MPhil programs, particularly MPhil Public Policy and MPhil Development Studies, PIDE proudly announces the upcoming launch of the PhD in Public Policy and Governance. 

Why PhD in Development Studies at PIDE?

In today’s rapidly evolving governance landscape, there is a growing demand for experts who can deliver research-based, context-specific solutions. The PhD in Development Studies is designed for academics, practitioners, and policymakers seeking advanced expertise in Development sector, public sector governance, institutional reform, and evidence-based policymaking.

Program Aims and Objectives

The PhD in Development Studies aims to:

• Impart structured and contextual knowledge about key development challenges.
• Foster high-quality, policy-relevant research on development issues indigenous to Pakistan.
• Strengthen student-industry linkages and facilitate collaboration with policymakers and practitioners.
• Develop a culture of academic debates and dialogue to enhance critical thinking and intellectual engagement.
• Equip students with advanced research methodologies to conduct interdisciplinary and applied research.
• Encourage participatory and rights-based approaches in development research and practice.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates possessing MPhil or equivalent degree in Development Studies, Public Policy, Economics, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics, Health Economics, Economics and Finance, Econometrics, Business Administration, Demography, Mathematics, Statistics or Computer Science from an HEC recognized university/institution with at least a first division (annual system) or CGPA of 3.00 out of 4.00 (in the semester system or equivalent) shall be eligible to apply for admission.
• Applicants will be selected on the basis of their performance in the admission test, interview, academic record, research publications, letters of recommendation and statement of purpose.
• The in-service applicants will be required to submit the No Objection Certificate issued by their employers before the beginning of the academic session.

Academic Program (Regular)

Duration

3 years (minimum)
8 years (maximum)
Total Credit Hours of Degree: 66
Course work: 18
Thesis: 48 

Course Work Structure Semester Wise

Semester wise Programme Structure

Comprehensive Exam

 Following the completion of coursework, every PhD student shall be required to pass a comprehensive examination in order to be granted candidacy as PhD researcher; provided that if the student fails to pass the comprehensive test, he or she shall be allowed one more attempt to take the test.

The comprehensive examination must be taken after the completion of the core courses designed for PhD program. The comprehensive exam will be conducted from the following courses.

Development: History, Theory and Policy

Design Thinking and Critical Thought

Judgement and Decision Making with Data

The comprehensive examinations shall be composed of two parts – a written examination and an oral examination. The oral examination shall be taken after one week of written examination. The marks distribution shall be:

Note: If a student fails any of the comprehensive examinations in the second attempt, he/she shall cease to be a student of PhD program. Similarly, if a student fails to attempt any of comprehensive examinations in the three consecutive schedule comprehensive examinations, he/she shall cease to be a PhD student at PIDE.

DOCTORAL RESEARCH

• Each PhD researcher shall be required to write a doctoral dissertation that meets the following minimum criteria:

1. 1. The students need to pass all the comprehensive exams before registration for PhD dissertation as partial fulfilment of the requirement of the degree.
   2. The PhD candidates must register for dissertation during all the semesters subsequent to passing comprehensive examinations under the supervision of a supervisor and co-supervisor appointed by the Dean on the recommendations of the HoD.
   3. Each PhD candidate is required to submit a formal research proposal to the HoD. The research proposal must be defended in a seminar and approved by the Graduate and Research Management Council (GRMC).
   4. The thesis must be written in English following the thesis guidelines of the Institute.
   5. The thesis must demonstrate a student’s capacity to pursue original research based on a good understanding of research techniques and concepts appropriate to the research area. It must represent a distinct and significant contribution to the subject, whether through the discovery of new knowledge, the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of new theory or the revision of older views. It should show the exercise of critical judgment about both the candidate’s own work and that of other scholars in the field.
   6. The maximum time for the completion of the degree shall be 4 years. However, under exceptional circumstances, an extension may be granted for one year.
   7. In all other respects, the PIDE-Ph.D rules shall be applicable.